Committee tables National Grid petitions for mid‑span poles and reclosers, demands coordination to avoid 'double poles'

The Ordinance Committee on Oct. 14 tabled a set of National Grid petitions to install new mid‑span poles and mounts for recloser equipment after a lengthy discussion about the technology and neighborhood impacts.

National Grid representatives described the devices as reclosers (automated switches with multiple voltage sensors that detect and isolate faults to improve reliability). Company speakers said a recloser can serve roughly 500 customers and must be mounted on a ‘‘clean’’ pole with no transformers or other equipment to meet clearance and safety standards. Because existing poles at some locations already carry other equipment, National Grid said it must install new mid‑span poles at the listed addresses to accommodate the reclosers.

Several councilors, led by Councilor Gregor Del Rosario, expressed concern about adding new poles to city streets and the multi‑year delays in telecom companies removing old attachments; Del Rosario and others said past double‑pole situations left unsightly, sometimes hazardous, installations for years. The chair pushed National Grid to commit to removing unnecessary poles and to coordinate in advance with Verizon and other providers; committee members requested photos of the proposed equipment, assurance that newly proposed poles were brand new (not temporary doubles), and a written follow‑up on coordination with telecom partners.

Committee members voted to table six petitions read into the record (documents 40725, 40825, 40925, 41025, 41125, 41225) and two additional mid‑span requests (29825 and 29925) so National Grid could provide the requested information and pursue better coordination on telecom removals. Roll‑call votes were unanimous on the motion to table. The committee said it would revisit the petitions when National Grid returns with photos, a clearer timetable for telecom removals, and commitments to avoid prolonged double‑pole conditions.